Name: Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon fine salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened; 2/3 cup sugar, plus more for rolling; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/3 cup raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam

There’s just something so comforting about the classic Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe — those tender, buttery cookies with a dollop of sweet jam right in the center. Every bite is a little burst of sunshine, and they’re surprisingly simple to make, too! I love how this recipe brings nostalgia and joy in such an easy, delicious way.

A white plate holds a pile of round thumbprint cookies, each with a sugar-coated pale beige dough base. In the center of each cookie is a bright, glossy jam filling, with some cookies showing deep red jam and others a bright orange jam. The texture of the dough looks soft and slightly crumbly with a sugar grain coating. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a white cup of espresso with a light brown foam on top and part of another white plate with more cookies slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I made these for the first time, I knew I’d come back to this Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe again and again. They’re classic in the best way—simple, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable. Plus, everyone always asks for the recipe, which is a good sign!

Easy to make: These cookies don’t require fancy ingredients or techniques, so you can whip them up even on busy days.
Delightful texture: Buttery, tender cookies with a little crunchy sugar coating and fruit jam that adds that perfect sweet zing.
Customizable flavors: Use your favorite fruit jam to make these cookies truly yours, from raspberry to blueberry or strawberry.
Great for gifting or parties: They look beautiful on a cookie tray and are always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday baking or casual treats.

A close-up view of round thumbprint cookies arranged on a white marbled surface, each cookie having one layer of soft, light beige dough rolled in sugar creating a slightly grainy texture. The center of each cookie is filled with either bright red or golden yellow shiny jam, with the jam sitting nicely in a shallow indentation. Some jam spills slightly over the edge, showing a sticky, glossy texture. The cookies are evenly spaced, showing their round shape and soft texture surrounded by the contrast of the marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a clear role in creating those melt-in-your-mouth thumbprint cookies topped with luscious jam. Here’s why these ingredients are a winning combo—and some tips on what to look for when you shop.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of fine salt, two softened unsalted butter sticks, a small white bowl filled with granulated sugar, a single whole brown egg with clean shell, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, and a small white bowl filled with vibrant mixed berry jam, all arranged symmetrically on a simple clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie dough. Using all-purpose flour gives you the right texture—soft but with a little structure.
Baking powder: Just a small pinch helps the cookies rise gently, keeping them tender and light.
Fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Unsalted butter: This is key for that rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Sugar: Both mixed into the dough and rolled on the outside, sugar adds sweetness and a little sparkle on the cookie edges. I like to use granulated sugar, but you can experiment with sanding sugar for a prettier crunch.
Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for a tender bite.
Pure vanilla extract: Just one teaspoon lifts the flavor, giving a subtle warmth and depth.
Fruit jam: The star of the show—the jam fills the little indentations. I love raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry, but trust me, any jam you love will make these shine.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe is because it’s so flexible. I tweak it often to suit the season, moods, or whatever’s in my jam jar. You’ll enjoy making it your own, too!

Variation: On a whim, I once swapped the plain sugar roll for finely chopped toasted almonds—they added a lovely nutty crunch that paired beautifully with raspberry jam.
Dietary tweaks: I haven’t tried it myself yet, but substituting the butter for a plant-based spread and using gluten-free flour could make these suitable for special diets—just check your jam ingredients.
Seasonal flair: Around holidays, I add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for an extra cozy or bright note.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

I always start by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl—this ensures everything is evenly combined and ready to be gently folded into the dough. I like to whisk them together thoroughly to avoid any lumps.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

This is where the magic begins! Using a handheld mixer, I whip the softened butter together with sugar for about five minutes, until it’s pale and fluffy. It might seem like extra effort, but this step makes the cookies wonderfully light and tender. Don’t rush it!

Step 3: Beat in Egg and Vanilla

Next, I add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until it’s combined—not more. Overmixing at this stage can make the dough tough, and we want those cookies tender, remember?

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients in Two Batches

I slowly incorporate the flour mixture in two additions, stirring gently to avoid overworking the dough. It should come together without looking dry or crumbly.

Step 5: Shape, Roll, and Press Your Thumbprints

I scoop the dough into 1-inch balls—using a cookie scoop keeps sizes consistent—and then roll them in sugar for that pretty sparkle and crunch. Placing them spaced about 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets is key to prevent sticking. I press my thumb gently into the center of each dough ball to make a nice ½-inch deep well for the jam. A simple trick is to dip your thumb in flour first to avoid sticking!

Step 6: Fill with Jam and Bake

I spoon about ¾ teaspoon of jam into each indentation, making sure not to overfill so it doesn’t bubble over in the oven. Then it’s 15 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven until the edges are golden—this is when the smell starts filling your kitchen and it’s almost impossible not to sneak a cookie!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

I let mine cool right on the baking sheet, which helps them firm up without breaking. Then, time to enjoy your handiwork—maybe with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect pairing.

Top Tip

I’ve made Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe more times than I care to admit, and these tips have saved me from several common pitfalls. Follow these to get perfectly tender, pretty cookies every time!

Soft Butter is Essential: Using butter that’s just softened—not melted—is crucial for the right dough consistency and cookie texture.
Don’t Overfill the Jam: Too much jam can spill and burn on your baking sheet, so measure carefully.
Use Parchment Paper: This makes cleanup easy and helps cookies bake evenly without sticking.
Press Indentations Gently: Using too much force can crack the dough; a gentle thumbpress keeps things intact.

How to Serve Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe

Garnishes

I usually don’t fuss too much with garnishes, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar dusted lightly on top just before serving adds a lovely touch and makes the cookies look super inviting. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a tiny fresh berry on each jam dollop to match the flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine best on their own with a hot drink, but I’ve also enjoyed pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat or alongside a bowl of fresh berries for extra freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift boxes, I arrange them in little stacks tied with twine or nestled in colorful cupcake liners. They also make darling edible gifts—just package them in a pretty tin or a cellophane bag with a handwritten note.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between sheets of parchment paper. They stay fresh for about 4-5 days, which, if you ask me, is the perfect window for enjoying that homemade freshness.

Freezing

To freeze, I scoop and shape the dough balls, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before storing them in a zip-top freezer bag. When I want cookies, I bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This trick is a lifesaver for last-minute cookie cravings!

Reheating

If you want to freshen up day-old cookies, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds) does the trick to warm the butter and jam, giving a "just-baked" feel without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade jam for this Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade jam works beautifully and adds a personal touch. Just be sure it’s not too runny, or it might spread too much during baking.

How do I prevent the jam from leaking out during baking?

Use only a small amount of jam—about three-quarters of a teaspoon per cookie. Also, pressing a well-defined indentation helps the jam stay put while baking. Avoid overfilling and make sure the edges around the jam are firm.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just be sure the blend you pick contains xanthan gum or another binder for best texture.

How long do Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe last?

Stored in an airtight container, these cookies last about 4-5 days at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this Thumbprint Cookies with Fruit Jam Recipe soon. They’re one of those recipes that feel like a warm hug in cookie form—easy, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or to share with friends, these cookies never disappoint and always bring smiles. Happy baking, friend!